Castrip® Technology

The Castrip process is a revolutionary method for producing flat-rolled carbon and silicon steel sheets at very thin thicknesses. Castrip technology allows steel producers to manufacture thin, flat-rolled products in significantly fewer process stages, saving money on initial investment and operating costs. By casting steel close to its final dimensions, enormous savings in time and energy can be realized.

Experience the cutting-edge efficiency of Castrip technology, revolutionizing steel production with innovation and sustainability at its core.

The twin-roll casting technology utilizes two water-cooled copper rolls rotating in opposite directions. A refractory nozzle between the rolls delivers molten steel into the gap. Side dams, attached at both ends of the rolls, confine the liquid steel. As the rolls contact the liquid steel, solidification begins and progresses as the rolls move downwards. Two separate steel shells form on each roll and merge into a single sheet at the point where the rolls meet. This steel sheet then passes through pinch rolls and a hot rolling stand, where it is reduced to the required thickness, typically between 0.6 and 2.0 mm. The hot-rolled sheet is then cooled to the desired temperature and mechanical properties. Next, the sheet is coiled in one of the two coilers, and a rotary shear cuts the sheet, resulting in a continuous process from the upstream area to the Castrip plant.

Primetals Technologies has partnered with Castrip LLC and is a supplier of cutting-edge Castrip plants.

Benefits of Castrip Technology

• Produce thin-gauge sheets (0.6–2.0 mm) with ultra-low direct CO₂ emissions and minimal energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.
• Optimize the bottom line without compromising quality. Low-cost scrap and rapid production times enhance profitability.
• Meet demand quickly with a capacity range of 0.5–0.7 million tons per year and customizable finished widths from 1,100 to 1,600 mm.
• Optimize space utilization with a compact plant design adaptable to various locations without sacrificing efficiency.
• Castrip seamlessly integrates into any steelmaking route, whether LD converter-based or electric arc furnace-based. This ensures operational flexibility and resilience. The high quality and versatility of thin hot-rolled steel make it suitable for further processing, such as cold rolling, galvanizing, and painting.
• Castrip lines can produce low-, medium-, and high-carbon grades plus HSLA and weathering grades with strength ranges up to 1,700 MPa and silicon steel.
• A smoother surface than conventional hot-rolled sheets enhances aesthetics and usability. Comply with stringent ASTM and ISO standards to deliver superior products suitable for diverse applications, generally reserved for cold-rolled sheets. Innovative ultrathin Castrip (UCS) hot-rolled coils are a viable substitute for cold-rolled material or can undergo further cold rolling with minimal passes, allowing for expanded product offerings and increased flexibility.
• Expand offerings with flat-sheet production alongside traditional long products, catering to a broader market.